It’s a wrap: the best bunny rugs, muslins and blankets for baby

Is it a pram cover or a bunny rug you're after? A wrap or a blanket? Should it be acrylic, cotton or wool? Hand-made? If you've got questions, Pip Lincolne has answers. Read on to find out everything you need to know.

Bunny rugs, swaddles, muzzys, blankies. It doesn’t really matter what you call them, as long as you have some super snuggly ones sorted for your favourite tot. Rugs and blankets for babies come in lots of different weights, fabrics, colours, warmth factors and prints. There are budget buys or investment pieces, depending on your pocket.

Perhaps you are a bit befuddled by the amazing array of cosiness available? There’s no need to be, I promise. I’ve tucked lots of babies in and I know just what you need to look for when you’re shopping for the perfect blanket. Let me tell you more…

Fabric factor

Blankies come in all kinds of fabrics. Cotton, wool, acrylic and more. Consider the baby you are buying for. If it’s a fresh first-born, you might want to go 100 percent cotton to keep bub cosy. (It’s possible that I might have tucked my third child in under an old Stussy sweatshirt when he was particularly fractious and needed Fragrance de Mum!)

You really can’t go past 100 percent cotton for softness, durability and kindness-to-skin, methinks. For cooler nights, woollen blankets are a super warm choice. A mix of wool and acrylic adds extra softness. And acrylic or polyester can be a good choice if you’re going to be washing your blankets often (dries quickly!) or if you are looking for a super-bright knitted or crochet blanket (the brightest colours are often acrylic!)

Cuteness and comfort

Choosing a blanket because it’s completely adorable and covered in miniature llamas is a totally valid approach. Check for softness and quality (nice, tight stitches? No sharp embellishments or trims?) too.

Size

Think about what the blanket’s job is. Is it for swaddling? Lightweight is best. Is it for a cot? Check it’s cot sized. Is it for snuggling into the pusher or pram? Make sure it’s not too big or it’ll trail along the ground or get tangled in the wheels. Make sure the blanket fits the task at hand.

Weight

Choose the right weight for the season. Woolly comfort in the cooler months and light weight cotton for summery days. Polyester gives you some fleecy mid-weight options too.

Suitability

Is that ladybird blanket you’ve chosen really the right one for the cheeky toddler who loves dinosaurs? Is that shiny, fluffy, crazy blanket the best choice for a newborn? Ask yourself a few questions about the baby or child in question and remember it’s important to match the blankie to its new owner.

Quality

Sometimes it’s very tempting to buy the cheapest option, but maybe your blanket will become a childhood companion to your favourite small person. Buy the best quality you can afford to be sure it’s a long-lasting friend.

Origin

I always think it’s great to buy from independent or local makers. Maybe you might like to consider doing that too?!